Average Physician Assistants Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Physician Assistants in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $145,860. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $136,910, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher compensation expectations within this specific region. The economic landscape and specialized healthcare needs of the capital region likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $145,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $197,470.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,840 Physician Assistants and a Location Quotient of 0.9, the job market in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria demonstrates a healthy, albeit slightly below national average, concentration of these professionals. The presence of nearly 3,000 PAs suggests a robust healthcare infrastructure capable of supporting a substantial number of these vital roles, indicating a stable demand for their services.
Salary Overview
The average Physician Assistants in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+6.5%above the national average.
$70.1
$2,805
$12,155
Physician Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physician Assistants in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare demand, evolving scopes of practice, and inflation typically drive upward salary adjustments for skilled medical professionals.
Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Career progression for Physician Assistants in this region is typically marked by significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level PAs can expect compensation towards the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience often command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential throughout a PA's career.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $92,930 | $44.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $109,395 | $52.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $137,650 | $66.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $182,325 | $87.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $197,470 | $94.9 |
Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$145,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$145,860
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $145,860 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Physician Assistant's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to living expenses.
Job Market Context
2,840
Total Jobs
0.909
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 0.90x the national average concentration of Physician Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.9 suggests that Physician Assistants are slightly less concentrated in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area compared to the national average. This indicates a competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified candidates seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physician Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Physician Assistants Salary | $131,420↓ 10% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Physician Assistants Salary | $136,440↓ 6% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Physician Assistants Salary | $118,190↓ 19% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Physician Assistants Salary | $129,810↓ 11% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Physician Assistants Salary | $112,190↓ 23% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physician Assistants make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $145,860. This typically ranges from $92,930 for entry-level positions to $197,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 6.5% higher than the national median of $136,910.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Physician Assistants?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Physician Assistants.Physician Assistants in this area earn a notable $145,860 annually, exceeding the national average, while maintaining a cost of living that is on par with the national average.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Physician Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($131,420) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the Physician Assistant salary compare to the national average?
Physician Assistants in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria earn an average of $145,860 annually, which is higher than the national average of $136,910.
What is the cost of living in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria for Physician Assistants?
The cost of living in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary has average purchasing power.
How many Physician Assistants work in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area?
There are approximately 2,840 Physician Assistants employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area.
Is the job market for Physician Assistants in this area highly concentrated?
The job market has a Location Quotient of 0.9, indicating a concentration slightly below the national average, suggesting a competitive but stable environment for PAs.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,840 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.909 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physician Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV